HCC associate vice chancellor honored with prestigious fellowship

Apr 26, 2018

Catherine O’Brien, associate vice chancellor of college readiness with Houston Community College, has been awarded the 2018-2019 Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence.

The Aspen fellowship program is aimed at preparing the next generation of community college presidents. O’Brien is one of 40 college administrators across the nation to be named a 2018 fellow by the Aspen Institute, which advances higher education practices, policies and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes.

“It is an honor to be selected to participate in the Aspen Presidential Fellowship Program,” O’Brien said. “I have no doubt it will have a lasting impact on my own leadership abilities and will translate directly to the work I do for the students of Houston Community College.”

Beginning in July, O’Brien will embark on a 10-month fellowship that includes mentoring by community college leaders with strong records of improving student success. She will be immersed in techniques on creating strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges and Houston area employers.

“Catherine O’Brien exemplifies HCC’s pursuit of excellence in education and our mission to give every student the best possible opportunity to succeed,” said HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado. “I congratulate her on the honor that she so richly deserves.”

O’Brien was selected through a rigorous process that considered her abilities to take strategic risks, lead strong teams, cultivate partnerships and focus on results-oriented improvements in student success.